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Texas Nuclear Plant Cited for Improper Handling of Radioactive Waste

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) - The Comanche Peak nuclear power plant has been cited by federal regulators for repeated, improper handling of low-level radioactive waste, authorities said.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission said contaminated clothing and maintenance equipment were left outside a controlled area 11 times between Jan. 24, 2000, and May 24, 2001.

The alleged violations were the first at Comanche Peak, one of Texas' two nuclear plants, since 1993.

"The contaminated materials weren't dealt with properly," NRC spokesman Breck Henderson told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram in Wednesday's editions.

TXU Energy, owner of the plant 50 miles southwest of Fort Worth, said the infractions posed no risk to the public or employees.

Comanche Peak was fined $50,000 after it being cited in 1993 for a radioactive water spill in a containment area during refueling. It was shut down, and no water escaped.

Henderson said the new violation could lead to enforcement action.

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2002

Answers

If they respond well to these citations when there is no public risk, I think it would be a good sign that they intend to follow the rules more closely. If they try to get out of paying, however...

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2002